Разум и чувства / Sense and Sensibility

’

�But how came the hand to discompose you so much, if it was only a letter of business? Come, come, this won’t do, Colonel; so let us hear the truth of it.’

�My dear madam,’ said Lady Middleton, �recollect what you are saying.’

�Perhaps it is to tell you that your cousin Fanny is married?’ said Mrs. Jennings, without attending to her daughter’s reproof.

�No, indeed, it is not.’

�Well, then, I know who it is from, Colonel. And I hope she is well.’

�Whom do you mean, ma’am?’ said he, colouring a little.

�Oh! you know who I mean.’

�I am particularly sorry, ma’am,’ said he, addressing Lady Middleton, �that I should receive this letter today, for it is on business which requires my immediate attendance in town.’

�In town!’ cried Mrs. Jennings. �What can you have to do in town at this time of year?’

�My own loss is great,’ he continued, �in being obliged to leave so agreeable a party; but I am the more concerned, as I fear my presence is necessary to gain your admittance at Whitwell.

’

What a blow upon them all was this!

�But if you write a note to the housekeeper, Mr. Brandon,’ said Marianne, eagerly, �will it not be sufficient?’

He shook his head.

�We must go,’ said Sir John. – ’It shall not be put off when we are so near it. You cannot go to town till tomorrow, Brandon, that is all.’

�I wish it could be so easily settled.

But it is not in my power to delay my journey for one day!’

�If you would but let us know what your business is,’ said Mrs. Jennings, �we might see whether it could be put off or not.’

�You would not be six hours later,’ said Willoughby, �if you were to defer your journey till our return.’

�I cannot afford to lose ONE hour.’ –

Elinor then heard Willoughby say, in a low voice to Marianne, �There are some people who cannot bear a party of pleasure.

Brandon is one of them. He was afraid of catching cold I dare say, and invented this trick for getting out of it. I would lay fifty guineas the letter was of his own writing.’

�I have no doubt of it,’ replied Marianne.

�There is no persuading you to change your mind, Brandon, I know of old,’ said Sir John, �when once you are determined on anything. But, however, I hope you will think better of it.